Alarm at fibreglass found in shellfish

SHELLFISH caught in British waters have been found to contain alarming amounts of fibreglass which could be harmful to humans when eaten.

- Karen Rockett

Particles of the glass-reinforced plastic were detected in mussels and oysters in Chichester Harbour, a sailing hub on the south coast of England.

Scientists at Brighton and Portsmouth universities, who compiled a study published last week, fear fibreglass used in boat manufacturing and repairs has been breaking down and contaminating coastal waters.

Particles were detected in the soft tissue of mussels and oysters collected near a boatyard in the West Sussex harbour.